Our tub has had no cover on the drain for a few years. To unclog it one we had had to break out the old one and my x-husband tried two different new ones that didn't fit. The project died there and went no further. I got a cheap little cover at walmart, caulked it in, and just replaced it periodically. It was not a good system, although it was better than nothing.
This was one of the first home repair challenges I took on once finding myself single. I started by examining the drains my husband had purchased (he'd never returned them so they were still around - yes, that's me being bitter). I fiddled with the one that looked like the best candidate and eventually tried to install it. It seemed to fit the threads of the tub, but soon grew too hard to turn further. So I created this handy tool out of some pliers and a wrench in order to apply more leverage....
After great effort the truth became clear. The shaft was too long. It simply couldn't be screwed in any further. Next step was visiting our wonderful local plumbing supply store. I walked in with the original one that we'd broken out and one that almost worked, while towing my then three year old along with me. As I tried to look through the shelves for the right thing, Nathaniel was making a ruckus trying to run around and look at all the neat stuff in the store while I struggled to curb him in and still get done what I needed. After some time of this, the owners peeked down the aisle at us and I was grateful to see not looks of total irritation on their faces but broad smiles. The woman walked up to me and instantly started trying to help me quickly find the right part.
Once we realized they didn't have it, she turned my old broken drain cover over to the man there and with a little tinkering he actually fixed it so that it could be used again! My total cost was under $3.00!! Finally having a real drain in the tub again was one of the most sublime feelings, made only more so because of the personal feeling of satisfaction at having accomplished it.
I think that the moral here is first to just TRY and to be patient and persistent about your task. Secondly, do not be afraid to admit that you need help at the store. Oh, and if you find yourself in this position, take the parts you're working on WITH YOU!
This was one of the first home repair challenges I took on once finding myself single. I started by examining the drains my husband had purchased (he'd never returned them so they were still around - yes, that's me being bitter). I fiddled with the one that looked like the best candidate and eventually tried to install it. It seemed to fit the threads of the tub, but soon grew too hard to turn further. So I created this handy tool out of some pliers and a wrench in order to apply more leverage....
After great effort the truth became clear. The shaft was too long. It simply couldn't be screwed in any further. Next step was visiting our wonderful local plumbing supply store. I walked in with the original one that we'd broken out and one that almost worked, while towing my then three year old along with me. As I tried to look through the shelves for the right thing, Nathaniel was making a ruckus trying to run around and look at all the neat stuff in the store while I struggled to curb him in and still get done what I needed. After some time of this, the owners peeked down the aisle at us and I was grateful to see not looks of total irritation on their faces but broad smiles. The woman walked up to me and instantly started trying to help me quickly find the right part.
Once we realized they didn't have it, she turned my old broken drain cover over to the man there and with a little tinkering he actually fixed it so that it could be used again! My total cost was under $3.00!! Finally having a real drain in the tub again was one of the most sublime feelings, made only more so because of the personal feeling of satisfaction at having accomplished it.
I think that the moral here is first to just TRY and to be patient and persistent about your task. Secondly, do not be afraid to admit that you need help at the store. Oh, and if you find yourself in this position, take the parts you're working on WITH YOU!
